Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging

Learn about the signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Find out how it is tested for, diagnosed, and staged.

Can non-Hodgkin lymphoma be found early?

There are no widely recommended screening tests for NHL, but it can still be found early in some cases. Screening is testing for a disease like cancer in people who have no symptoms.

The best way to find lymphoma early is to watch for possible signs and symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of NHL?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause many different symptoms depending on where in the body it starts and how fast it is growing.

Swollen lymph nodes are one of the most common signs of lymphoma.

This might feel like a lump or bump under your skin. It usually does not hurt. These swollen lymph nodes are most often located on the:

• Neck
• Armpit
• Groin

Other symptoms can include fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, feeling tired, and swelling in the abdomen.

These symptoms are usually caused by something other than lymphoma. But it’s important to have them checked by your healthcare team, especially if they get worse or don’t go away.

People with known NHL risk factors should be especially aware of these signs and talk with their healthcare team about regular checkups.

How is non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed?

If you have signs or symptoms that suggest NHL, your healthcare team will do exams and tests to find out for sure. In most cases, this means doing a biopsy. During a biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed from a lymph node or other affected area so it can be checked in the lab.

Testing also helps the care team figure out the exact type and stage of your lymphoma.

Stages and outlook (prognosis) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

After a cancer diagnosis, staging gives your healthcare team important information about the extent of cancer in your body. Doctors also use a cancer’s stage when talking about survival statistics.